Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer
Members of the public sign condolence books for Louise 'Miss Lou' Bennett-Coverley after viewing her body at the National Arena in St. Andrew yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
The power of Louise Bennett-Coverley to unite people in life shone through in death as over 1,000 persons turned out to view the body of Jamaica's foremost folklorist and comedienne. Persons of every class, creed, age, size and gender attended the National Arena yesterday to pay tribute to Miss Lou on the second day of viewing.
Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, and the Leader of the Opposition Bruce Golding arrived at 10:30 a.m. to view the body and speak with family members. But the day belonged to the wide cross-section of individuals who turned out to pay last respects to the socio-cultural giant, affectionately known as Miss Lou.
Dressed in traditional garb and watched over by a vigil party of guards, the coffin laid in the centre of the National Arena, being serenaded by gospel music selections and pieces of her literary work. From curious toddlers to senior citizens filed past her body in solemn, but celebratory respect. After viewing her body, persons stood in three queues to sign condolence books. Here, people chatted with each other as they reflected on how Miss Lou impacted on their lives.
Cherry Natural, a dub poet
from Mountain View, St. Andrew, credited Miss Lou with not only inspiring her life's work but also with breaking down many barriers in society.
Jermaine Whyte, a 24-year-old vendor from Kingston, said that Miss Lou, through her performance poetry, had improved his sense of personhood.
Powerful force of change
Sheila Graham, director of the Area Youth Foundation, described Miss Lou as a powerful force of change in Jamaican society.
"She proved that one person can stand up for something. All young people can pattern her; yes, she was funny, but she was more than that."
Fabian Coverley, Bennett-Coverley's stepson, was very grateful in his response to the turnout of Jamaicans.
"Fantastic, fabulous, the Govern-ment and the people of Jamaica have gone out of their way. I as a son am proud of this honour
and privilege afforded to my mother in death as in life,"
he said.
Last journey
At 12:25 p.m., Miss Lou's last journey will begin at the Sam Isaacs and Son Funeral Home and will end at the National Heroes Circle where she will be buried.
The hearse will proceed north along Hanover Street, to Barry Street, then west along Barry Street to King Street, and north along King Street to South Parade.
The body should enter Parade from the south, after which it will proceed north to the Coke Methodist Church. The thanksgiving service will begin there at 2 p.m.
Before getting to the Coke Methodist Church, Miss Lou will make a short stop in front of Ward Theatre.
After the funeral, the procession will head east along East Queen Street then to Duke Street. After getting to Duke Street, it will proceed north to National Heroes Park.
